Trouble using Google Fi internationally
- June 7, 2024
Table of Contents
Trouble using Google Fi internationally
If you’re traveling abroad and you’re having trouble using Google Fi service, try the troubleshooting steps below to fix the issue. After each step, try using your phone to see if the issue is fixed.
If you don’t have a Designed for Fi phone, some international features might not be available. Check our list of compatible phones for more information.
1. Check that you’re traveling to one of the over 200 supported destinations
Here’s the list of the more than 200 supported countries and destinations where you can use Google Fi.
If you’re outside of this group of supported destinations:
- You can’t use your phone for cellular calls, text, or data.
- You can make calls over Wi-Fi when the connection is strong enough. The rates for making Wi-Fi calls are the same as when you are calling from the U.S.
2. Make sure you’re calling a valid number with the correct format
Calling other countries from the U.S.
If you’re calling an international number from the U.S.:
- Canada and U.S. Virgin Islands : Dial 1 (area code) (local number).
- To all other countries : Touch and hold 0 until you see on the display, then dial (country code) (area code) (local number). For example, if you’re calling a number in the U.K., dial + 44 (area code) (local number).
Calling while you’re outside the U.S.
If you’re outside the U.S. and calling international numbers or the U.S.:
- To call a number in the country you’re visiting : Dial (area code) (local number).
- To call another country : Tap and hold 0 until you see + on the display, then dial (country code) (area code) (local number). For example, if you’re dialing a number in the U.K. from Japan, dial + 44 (area code) (local number).
- If this number format doesn’t work, you can also try using the exit code of the country you are visiting. Use (exit code) (destination country code) (area code) (local number).
3. Make sure your mobile data is turned on
- On your phone, go to your Settings .
- Tap Network & Internet Mobile network.
- Turn on Mobile data.
If a provider isn’t automatically selected, you can choose one manually:
- On your phone, go to your Settings .
- Tap Network & Internet Mobile network Advanced.
- Turn off Automatically select network.
- Manually select the network provider you believe to have coverage.
For iPhone settings, refer to the Apple article, “Get help when you have roaming issues during international travel.”
4. Make sure you turn on your international features
- Open the Google Fi website or app .
- At the top left, select Account.
- Go to “Manage Plan.”
- Under “INTERNATIONAL FEATURES,” turn on Service outside the US and Calls to non-US numbers.
5. Turn Airplane mode on, then off
Turning Airplane mode on and off will reset some settings and may fix your connection.
- On your phone, touch Settings .
- Tap Network & Internet.
- Tap the switch next to “Airplane mode” on.
- Tap the switch next to “Airplane mode” off.
Make sure Airplane mode is off when you’re done. Calling won’t work if Airplane mode is on.
For iPhone settings, refer to the Apple article “Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone.”
6. Restart your phone
Restarting your phone gives it a fresh start and is sometimes all you need to fix your issue. To restart your phone, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power button until the menu pops up.
- Tap Power off , and your phone will turn off.
- Press and hold the Power button until your device starts.
For iPhone settings, refer to the Apple article “Restart your iPhone.”
Related links
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>